China urges Japan to adhere to peaceful development

World Today

Lawmakers in Japan have finally voted to allow its military to fight overseas for the first time since the end of World War Two. The president of the upper house said the bills were passed with 148 voting in support and 90 against. The final vote was delayed for several hours as the opposition tried to halt proceedings. However, the Chinese foreign ministry has voiced stern concerns over the passing of the bills, and has urged the Japanese government to listen to its people and adhere to a path of peaceful development. CCTV’s Wang Tongxuan filed the story.

More details:

  • The changes will allow Japanese troops to fight overseas for the first time in decades. Experts say the wording of the bills is too vague.
  • One bill permits the Self Defense Force to provide logistical support for foreign militaries engaging in UN-backed operations, while the others amend 10 security-related laws and remove various restrictions on the SDF’s operations.

Zhang Junshe on Japan’s military bills
For more analysis, CCTV’s Susan Roberts spoke to Zhang Junshe from Beijing. He’s a researcher at the People’s Liberation Army Naval Military Academic Research Institute.
Follow Susan Roberts on Twitter @IamSusanRoberts.